Chester scuba-divers are invited to swim with sharks

A CHARITY is inviting underwater daredevils to dive with sharks to help raise vital funds.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is organising a sponsored shark dive at the Blue Planet Aquarium at Cheshire Oaks later this year.

The money will be used to fund research into treatments for muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions and support for the 70,000 families in the UK who are affected by them.

The charity challenge on Sunday, October 12 is aimed at scuba-diving beginners and entrants can also bring along supporters to spur them on.

Divers will have the chance to swim alongside an array of underwater creatures, including sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays and shoals of jacks, grunts and snappers.

There will be training from fully qualified instructors and all scuba equipment will be provided.

Those brave enough to take the plunge are being asked to raise £370 minimum sponsorship.

Emily Davies, from Oswestry, who took part in a previous event, said: “Diving with sharks was the most amazing and scariest thing I have ever done. Even now I cannot describe and do it justice, but the fact that I want to do it again and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone probably comes close.”

Charles Horton, volunteer fundraising manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: “Coming face to face with one of nature’s most feared creatures is something that sends a shiver down the spine for many of us. However, by taking on this challenge you will be helping the charity to change the lives of thousands of families across the UK who live with devastating muscle-wasting conditions.

“Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing disability and in many cases, significantly affecting life-expectancy.”

For further information call the regional fundraising office of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on 01244 536551 or email northwest@